Marie Arias-Stein

Thanks for sharing! I have wondered about aphantasia and insensitivity but in a different way. Because I am very literally an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of person, considering and remembering other people beyond my immediate interactions takes considerable effort for me. I've learned to adapt, using lots of calendar reminders for events (beyond just birthdays and anniversaries), or that I need to either immediately follow up with someone if they call/text or leave unread so it signals to review. Because once the immediate response happens, "OH! Janice is telling me about a promotion. This is a great time to share in her joy and congratulate her". But any "feeling" I have about that, maybe it IS pride or happiness, is incredibly short lived. Once it leaves my mind, the emotions or feelings surrounding that text/event is gone. Once its out of my immediate considerations, its unlikely it will come up again for me. Be it in a visual or emotional sense. Additionally, I believe having multi-sensory aphantasia may dull my experience of the world in some senses (I'm not complaining, I have found ways to adapt and lead a wonderful life!). Just like the OP mentioned, if a picture doesn't impact me as deeply, I have a hard time recognizing what may have a negative impact on others. (Here's my attempt at an example) Someone forgets my birthday, I'm not particularly upset and if I was it's short lived because I can't continually "bring up" the emotion/reason to be upset. I also don't have all the associated memories and feelings around prior birthdays (good or bad, mind you!), so there's a lack of importance or emphasis on the day or event for me.... So...I will forget or not realize that things in life that I'm not impacted by, may greatly effect other people. Even more extreme, think abuse. "I'm over it/can't relive it, why are you hung up on this?". But I DO have the ability for empathy!! This topic is fascinating, thanks for reading my late night ramble!

Hi Sam - I absolutely relate to this, and have wondered the same thing!